Extra+Ideas

Pleasurable, public bike path, Utilized by all generations of the comfortable community. Moms pushing strollers, rejuvenated by fresh, open space. Young kids voraciously pedaling: some with training wheels, others graduated to the more dignified state of two wheels. Young teens seeking escape, too young to own transportation to whisk them away to a world of their creating. Men and women, running, sweating, attempting to ward off inevitable decline of body. Married couples taking a leisurely stroll. Elderly townspeople, longing to meet anyone to acknowledge their existence.
 * It occurred last Sunday evening, near dark.

The action of one has transformed the lives of many: but none more than the young woman brutally attacked, bound and raped.

The now stark path bears a daunting aura. Moms, children, teens, runners, couples, seniors: vanished. Terror permeates the air.

The abominable control of one.

--Shelly Hill

On October 31, 2000, my adorable son Scott entered this world. When he was born, I never imagined he would turn out to be the next David. After five years, I am able connect Scott’s life with the story written by David Shannon, __No David! No!__ The main character, David, is always getting in trouble. He seems to forget the rules at home and his mother is always yelling, “No David, No!” When I read this book for the first time, I thought the author was writing about Scott. I have many stories that connect Scott and David, but let me enlighten you with the latest one. The most recent event happened just the other day at Scott’s pre-school. I arrived at 4:30pm and before I could enter the classroom, Scott’s teacher stopped me suddenly in the hall and explained to me what my “angel” had done today. My reaction was, “What did Scott do now? Did he have a tantrum?” “No!” replied Ms. Bashira. “Did he push another student?” “No!” “Did he throw anther chair at you?” “No! Amy.” Frustrated with me, Ms Bashira with a stern voice said, “Please calm down and let me just explain! A police officer visited the classroom this morning to discuss the importance of car safety. He gathered the children around him in a circle and began discussing the reasoning why children less than 80 pounds should sit in a booster seat. Before the police officer could continue his discussion, Scott blurted out ‘My brother does not sit in a booster seat and he only weighs 62 pounds!’ The officer addressed Scott with, ‘Make sure you tell your mother starting next year she will receive a ticket if your brother is not in a seat.’ Scott replied, ‘I sure will.’ ” I thanked Scott’s teacher for this information and proceeded to walk into the classroom. As soon as I put one foot in the door, Scott saw me and yelled, “Mom, the police officer wanted me to tell you he will give you a ticket if Will does not have a car seat by tomorrow!” After I chuckled under my breath, all I could do was hug my son and say, “I love you so much and don’t ever forget that.” . My husband and I decided to take the children to Applebee’s for dinner because kid’s dinners were 99 cents. As soon as we entered the restaurant, I gave the host our name as he informed us our table would be ready in about ten minutes. While we stood there, Scott roamed around the sitting area and suddenly screamed, “Mom, look! That is the officer that told my class he will give you a ticket if Will does not sit in a booster seat.” The police officer, and four other police officers joining him for dinner, immediately looked over at us and gave my husband and me a quick smile. I was mortified. I decided we would exit the restaurant and order car side to go! After that encounter, I headed to the local Wal-Mart and purchased, you guessed it, a booster seat. My darling Scott has now stopped badgering me about buying the car seat. He has moved on to another dramatic, frustrating event for all of his family and friends to witness, if he still has any.
 * No Scott! No!**
 * No Scott! No!**